Encapsulation of enzymes in metal ion–surfactant nanocomposites for catalysis in highly polar solvents

Abstract

We described a method to encapsulate enzymes in metal ion–surfactant nanocomposites. The nanobiocatalyst displayed highly retained activity (∼100%) and much improved stability in protein-denaturing organic solvents. As a demonstration, the encapsulated lipase exhibited much higher activity and stability in the synthesis of vitamin E succinate in dimethyl sulfoxide.